Silica-based sols

ABSTRACT

An aqueous sol containing silica-based particles which has an S-value within the range of from 10 to 45%, a viscosity within the range of from 5 to 40 cP, and a molar ratio of SiO 2  to M 2 O, where M is alkali metal or ammonium, within the range of from 10:1 to 40:1, or a silica content of at least 10% by weight. The invention further relates to a process for the production of silica-based particles comprising the steps of: (a) acidifying an aqueous silicate solution to a pH of from 1 to 4 to form an acid sol; (b) alkalising the acid sol at an SiO 2  content within the range of from 4.5 to 8% by weight to; (c) allowing particle growth of the alkalised sol for at least 10 minutes, or heat-treating the alkalised sol at a temperature of a least 30° C.; and then (d) alkalising the obtained sol to a pH of at least 10.0. The invention further relates to silica-based particles obtainable by the process, the use of the silica-based particles as drainage and retention aids in the production of paper as well as a process for the production of paper from an aqueous suspension containing cellulosic fibers, and optional filler, in which silica-based particles and at least one charged organic polymer are added to the cellulosic suspension.

[0001] The present invention generally relates to silica-based sols suitable for use in papermaking. More particularly, the invention relates to silica-based sols and silica-based particles, their production and their use in the production of paper. The process of this invention provides silica-based particles and sols containing silica-based particles with high drainage and retention performance, high stability and high solids contents.

BACKGROUND

[0002] In the papermaking art, an aqueous suspension containing cellulosic fibres, and optional fillers and additives, referred to as stock, is fed into a headbox which ejects the stock onto a forming wire. Water is drained from the stock through the forming wire so that a wet web of paper is formed on the wire, and the paper web is further dewatered and dried in the drying section of the paper machine. Drainage and retention aids are conventionally introduced into the stock in order to facilitate drainage and to increase adsorption of fine particles onto the cellulosic fibres so that they are retained with the fibres on the wire.

[0003] Silica-based particles are widely used as drainage and retention aids in combination with charged organic polymers like anionic and cationic acrylamide-based polymers and cationic and amphoteric starches. Such additive systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,388,150; 4,961,825; 4,980,025; 5,368,833; 5,603,805; 5,607,552; and 5,858,174; and International Patent Application WO 97/18351. These systems are among the most efficient drainage and retention aids now in use.

[0004] Silica-based particles suitable for use as drainage and retention aids are normally supplied in the form of aqueous colloidal dispersions, so-called sols. Commercially used silica-based sols usually have a silica content of about 7 to 15% by weight and contain particles with a specific surface area of at least 300 m²/g. Sols of silica-based particles with higher specific surface areas are usually more dilute to improve storage stability and avoid gel formation.

[0005] It would be advantageous to be able to provide silica-based sols and particles with further improved drainage and retention performance and even better stability. It would also be advantageous to be able to provide a process for preparing silica-based sols and particles with improved drainage, retention and stability properties. It would also be advantageous to be able to provide a papermaking process with improved drainage and/or retention.

THE INVENTION

[0006] In accordance with the present invention there are provided silica-based sols and particles which are suitable for use as flocculating agents in water purification and as drainage and retention aids in papermaking. The silica-based sols and particles according to the invention exhibit good stability over extended periods of time, notably high surface area stability and high stability to avoid gel formation, and hence they can be prepared and shipped at high specific surface areas and high silica concentrations. The sols have improved capability to maintain the high specific surface area on storage at high silica concentrations. The silica-based sols and particles further result in very good or improved drainage and retention when used in conjunction with anionic, cationic and/or amphoteric organic polymers. Hereby the present invention makes it possible to increase the speed of the paper machine and to use a lower dosage of additives to give a corresponding drainage and/or retention effect, thereby leading to an improved papermaking process and economic benefits. The invention thus relates to silica-based particles and an aqueous sol containing silica-based particles, herein also referred to as silica-based sol, and the production thereof, as further defined in the appended claims.

[0007] The present invention also relates to the use of the silica-based sols and particles as drainage and retention aids in papermaking, preferably in combination with organic polymers as described herein, as further defined in the appended claims. The term “drainage and retention aid”, as used herein, refers to one or more components (aids, agents or additives) which, when being added to a papermaking stock, give better drainage and/or retention than is obtained when not adding the components. The present invention further relates to a process for the production of paper from an aqueous suspension containing cellulosic fibres, and optional fillers, which comprises adding to the suspension silica-based particles and at least one charged organic polymer, forming and draining the suspension on a wire. The invention thus relates to a process as further defined in the appended claims.

[0008] The silica-based sols according to the present invention are aqueous sols that contain anionic silica-based particles, i.e. particles based on silica (SiO₂) or silicic acid. The particles are preferably colloidal, i.e., in the colloidal range of particle size. The silica-based sols can have an S-value within the range of from 10 to 45%, suitably from 20 to 40% and preferably from 25 to 35%. The S-value can be measured and calculated as described by Iler & Dalton in J. Phys. Chem. 60(1956), 955-957. The S-value indicates the degree of aggregate or microgel formation and a lower S-value is indicative of a higher degree of aggregation.

[0009] The silica-based sols can have a molar ratio of SiO₂ to M₂O, where M is alkali metal ion (e.g. Li, Na, K) and/or ammonium, within the range of from 10:1 to 40:1 suitably from 12:1 to 35:1 and preferably from 15:1 to 30:1. The silica-based sols can have a pH of at least 10.0, suitably at least 10.5, preferably at least 10.6 and most preferably at least 10.7. The pH can be up to about 11.5, suitably up to 11.0.

[0010] The silica-based sols should suitably have a silica content of at least 3% by weight but it is more suitable that the silica content is within the range of from 10 to 30% by weight and preferably from 12 to 20% by weight. In order to simplify shipping and reduce transportation costs, it is generally preferable to ship high concentration silica-based sols but it is of course possible and usually preferable to dilute and mix the silica-based sols and particles with water to substantially lower silica contents prior to use, for example to silica contents of at least 0.05% by weight and preferably within the range of from 0.05 to 5% by weight, in order to improve mixing with the furnish components. The viscosity of the silica-based sols can vary depending on, for example, the silica content of the sol. Usually, the viscosity is at least 5 cP, normally within the range of from 5 to 40 cP, suitably from 6 to 30 cP and preferably from 7 to 25 cP. The viscosity, which is suitably measured on sols having a silica content of at least 10% by weight, can be measured by means of known technique, for example using a Brookfield LVDV II+ viscosimeter. Preferred silica-based sols of this invention are stable. This means that these silica-based sols, when subjected to storage or ageing for one month at 20° C. in dark and non-agitated conditions, exhibit only a small increase in viscosity, if any.

[0011] The silica-based particles present in the sol suitably have an average particle size below about 20 nm and preferably in the range of from about 1 to about 10 nm. As conventional in silica chemistry, particle size refers to the average size of the primary particles, which may be aggregated or non-aggregated. The specific surface area of the silica-based particles is suitably at least 300 m²/g SiO₂ and preferably at least 550 m²/g. Generally, the specific surface area can be up to about 1050 m²/g and suitably up to 1000 m²/g. In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the specific surface area is within the range of from 550 to 725 m²/g, preferably from 575 to 700 m²/g. In another preferred embodiment of this invention, the specific surface area is within the range of from 775 to 1050 m²/g. The specific surface area can be measured by means of titration with NaOH in known manner, e.g. as described by Sears in Analytical Chemistry 28(1956):12, 1981-1983 and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,176,891, after appropriate removal of or adjustment for any compounds present in the sample that may disturb the titration like aluminium and boron species. The term “specific surface area”, as used herein, represents the average specific surface area of the silica-based particles and it is expressed as square meters per gram of silica (m²/g SiO₂).

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the silica-based sol thus has an S-value in the range of from 20 to 40%, a viscosity from 7 to 25 cP, a pH of at least 10.6, a molar ratio of SiO₂ to M₂O within the range of from 15 to 30, a silica content of at least 10% by weight, and contains colloidal anionic silica-based particles with a specific surface area within the range of from 550 to 1050 m²/g. Silica-based sols according to the invention with a silica content of from 15 to 20% by weight usually contain particles with a specific surface area within the range of from 550 to 725 m²/g whereas silica-based sols according to the invention with a silica content of from 10 to 15% by weight usually contain particles with a specific surface area within the range of from 775 to 1050 m²/g.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the silica-based sol is substantially free from aluminium, i.e. free from added modifiers containing aluminium. In another preferred embodiment of this invention, the silica-based sol is substantially free from boron, i.e. free from added modifiers containing boron. Minor amounts of such elements can however be present in the starting materials used to prepare the silica-based sols and particles. In yet another preferred embodiment of this invention, the silica-based sols are modified using various elements, e.g. aluminium and/or boron, which can be present in the aqueous phase and/or in the silica-based particles. If aluminium is used, the sols can have a molar ratio of Al₂O₃ to SiO₂ within the range of from 1:4 to 1:1500, suitably from 1:8 to 1:1000 and preferably from 1:15 to 1:500. If boron is used, the sols can have a molar ratio of B to SiO₂ within the range of from 1:4 to 1:1500, suitably from 1:8 to 1:1000 and preferably from 1:15 to 1:500. If both aluminium and boron are used, the molar ratio of Al to B can be within the range of from 100:1 to 1:100, suitably from 50:1 to 1:50.

[0014] The silica-based sols and particles according to the invention can be produced starting from a conventional aqueous silicate solution like alkali water glass, e.g. potassium or sodium water glass, preferably sodium water glass. The molar ratio of SiO₂ to M₂O, where M is alkali metal, e.g. sodium, potassium, ammonium, or a mixture thereof, in the silicate solution or water glass is suitably within the range of from 1.5:1 to 4.5:1, preferably from 2.5:1 to 3.9:1. Suitably a dilute silicate solution or water glass is used which can have an SiO₂ content of from about 3 to about 12% by weight, preferably from about 5 to about 10% by weight. The silicate solution or water glass, which usually has a pH around 13 or above 13, is acidified to a pH of from about 1 to about 4. The acidification can be carried out in known manner by addition of mineral acids, e.g. sulphuric acid, hydrochloric acid and phosphoric acid, or optionally with other chemicals known as suitable for acidification of water glass, e.g. ammonium sulphate and carbon dioxide. When adding a mineral acid, the acidification is suitably carried out in two steps, a first step to a pH of about 8 to 9, whereupon a certain ripening, i.e., a particle growth, is allowed to occur before further acidification to a pH of from about 1 to about 4. However, it is preferred that the acidification is carried out by means of an acid cation exchanger which, among other things, lead to more stable products. The acidification is preferably carried out by means of a strongly acid cation exchange resin, for example of sulfonic acid type. It is preferred that the acidification is carried out to a pH of from about 2 to 4, most preferably from about 2.2 to 3.0. The product obtained, an acid sol or polysilicic acid, contains silica-based particles with a high specific surface area, normally above 1000 m²/g and usually around about 1300 m²/g.

[0015] The acid sol is then subjected to alkalisation, herein referred to as a first alkalisation step. The first alkalisation can be carried out by addition of conventional alkali, e.g. lithium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide and mixtures thereof, and/or an aqueous silicate solution as defined above. Potassium and sodium water glass, particularly sodium water glass, with a molar ratio of SiO₂ to M₂O as defined above, is suitably used in the alkalisation step. The SiO₂ content of the water glass solutions used for the first alkalisation is suitably within the range of from about 3 to about 35% by weight and preferably within the range of from 5 to 30% by weight. The first alkalisation is usually carried out to a pH of at least 6, suitably at least 7 and preferably at least 7.5, and the pH is usually up to 10.5, suitably up to 10.0. The first alkalisation is further suitably carried out to a final molar ratio of SiO₂ to M₂O, M being as defined above, within the range of from about 20:1 to about 80:1, preferably from 30:1 to 70:1. In the preparation of a sol as defined above the degree of microgel can be influenced in several ways and be controlled to a desired value. The degree of microgel can be influenced by salt content, by adjustment of the concentration in the preparation of the acid sol and in the first alkalisation step since in this step the degree of microgel is influenced when the stability minimum for the sol is passed, at a pH of about 5. By prolonged times at this passage the degree of microgel can be directed to the desired value. It is particularly suitable to control the degree of microgel by adjustment of the dry content, the SiO₂ content, in the first alkalisation step whereby a higher dry content gives a lower S-value. By keeping the SiO₂ content in the first alkalisation step within the range of from 4.5 to 8% by weight the S-value can be controlled to the desired values of, for example, from 10 to 45%. To obtain sols with S-values within the range of from 20 to 40% the SiO₂ content in the first alkalisation step is suitably kept within the range of from 5.0 to 7.5% by weight.

[0016] The silica-based particles present in the alkalised sol obtained in the first alkalisation step is then subjected to particle growth so that particles with a lower specific surface area and higher stability are obtained. The particle growth process should suitably be carried out to provide silica-based particles with a specific surface area of at least 300 m²/g and preferably at least 550 and up to about 1050 m²/g and suitably up to 1000 m²/g. In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the particle growth process is carried out to provide a specific surface area within the range of from 550 to 725 m²/g. In another preferred embodiment of this invention, the particle growth process is carried out to provide a specific surface area within the range of from 775 to 1050 m²/g. The decrease in surface area can be obtained by storage at room temperature during somewhat longer times, a day up to about two days and nights, or, preferably, by heat treatment. In the heat treatment, times and temperatures can be adjusted so that shorter times are used at higher temperatures. Even if it of course is possible to use fairly high temperatures during very short times it is, from a practical point of view, more suitable to use lower temperatures during somewhat longer times. In the heat treatment, the alkalised sol should suitably be heated at a temperature of at least 30° C., suitably from 35 to 95° C. and preferably from 40 to 80° C. The heat treatment should suitably be carried out for at least 10 minutes, suitably from 15 to 600 minutes and preferably from 20 to 240 minutes.

[0017] After the particle growth step, and optional cooling, the obtained silica sol is again subjected to alkalisation, herein referred to as a second alkalisation step. The second alkalisation can be carried out by addition of conventional alkali, e.g. lithium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide and mixtures thereof, and/or an aqueous silicate solution as defined above. Potassium and sodium water glass, particularly sodium water glass, with a molar ratio of SiO₂ to M₂O as defined above, is suitably used in the second alkalisation step. The SiO₂ content of the water glass solutions used for the second alkalisation is suitably within the range of from about 3 to about 35% by weight and preferably within the range of from 5 to 30% by weight. The second alkalisation is suitably carried out to a pH of at least 10.0, suitably at least 10.5, preferably at least 10.6 and most preferably at least 10.7 The pH can be up to about 11.5, suitably up to 11.0. The second alkalisation is further suitably carried out to a final molar ratio of SiO₂ to M₂O, M being as defined above, within the range of from about 10:1 to 40:1 and suitably from 12:1 to 35:1, preferably from 15:1 to 30:1.

[0018] If desired, the process according to the invention can also comprise concentration of the silica-based sol obtained after the second alkalisation. Alternatively, or additionally, the alkalised sol obtained after the first alkalisation but before the particle growth or heat treatment step, or the sol obtained after the particle growth or heat treatment step but before the second alkalisation, can be subjected to concentration. Concentration can be carried out in known manner such as, for example, by osmotic methods, evaporation and ultrafiltration. The concentration is suitably carried out to achieve silica contents of at least 10% by weight, preferably from 10 to 30% by weight, and more preferably from 12 to 20% by weight.

[0019] If desired, the silica-based sol and particles can be modified by addition of compounds containing, for example, aluminium and/or boron. Suitable aluminium-containing compounds include aluminates like sodium aluminate and potassium aluminate, suitably sodium aluminate. The aluminium-containing compound is suitably used in the form of an aqueous solution. Suitable boron-containing compounds include boric acid, borates like sodium and potassium borate, suitably sodium borate, tetraborates like sodium and potassium tetraborate, suitably sodium tetraborate, and metaborates like sodium and potassium metaborate. The boron-containing compound is suitably used in the form of an aqueous solution.

[0020] When using an aluminium-containing compound in the process, it is suitable to add it to the sol subjected to particle growth or heat treatment, either before or after the second alkalisation step. Alternatively, or additionally, the aluminium-containing compound can be added to the silicate solution to be acidified, to the acid sol or to the alkalised sol obtained in the first alkalisation step before the particle growth or heat treatment step. The aluminium-containing compound can be added in admixture with acid in the acidification step and in admixture with alkali or silicate solution in any of the alkalisation steps. The aluminium-containing compound is suitably added in an amount such that the obtained sol has a molar ratio of Al₂O₃ to SiO₂ as defined above,

[0021] When using a boron-containing compound in the process, it is suitable to add it to the sol subjected to particle growth or heat treatment, either before or after the second alkalisation step. Alternatively, or additionally, the boron-containing compound can be added to the silicate solution to be acidified, to the acid sol or to the alkalised sol obtained in the first alkalisation step before the particle growth or heat treatment step. The boron-containing compound can be added in admixture with acid in the acidification step and in admixture with alkali or silicate solution in any of the alkalisation steps. The boron-containing compound is suitably added in an amount such that the obtained sol has a molar ratio of B to SiO₂ as defined above. If both aluminium-containing and boron-containing compounds are used, they are suitably added in amounts such that the obtained sol has a molar ratio of Al to B suitably as defined above.

[0022] If the sol, before any aluminium and/or boron modification, contains too high amounts of alkali metal ions or ammonium ions, it is preferable to remove at least part of these ions, for example by ion exchange, to provide silica-based sols with a final molar ratio of SiO₂ to M₂O within the desired range as defined above.

[0023] According to the present process, silica-based sols having silica contents of from 10 to 30% by weight, suitably from 12 to 20% by weight, and viscosities of at least 5 cP, normally within the range of from 5 to 40 cP, suitably from 6 to 30 cP and preferably from 7 to 25 cP, after optional concentration, can be prepared and the produced sols exhibit good storage stability and can be stored for several months without any substantial decrease of the specific surface area and without gel formation.

[0024] The silica-based sols and particles of this invention are suitable for use as flocculating agents, for example in the production of pulp and paper, notably as drainage and retention aids, and within the field of water purification, both for purification of different kinds of waste water and for purification specifically of white water from the pulp and paper industry. The silica-based sols and particles can be used as flocculating agents, notably as drainage and retention aids, in combination with organic polymers which can be selected from anionic, amphoteric, non-ionic and cationic polymers and mixtures thereof, herein also referred to as “main polymer”. The use of such polymers as flocculating agents and as drainage and retention aids is well known in the art. The polymers can be derived from natural or synthetic sources, and they can be linear, branched or cross-linked. Examples of generally suitable main polymers include anionic, amphoteric and cationic starches, anionic, amphoteric and cationic guar gums, and anionic, amphoteric and cationic acrylamide-based polymers, as well as cationic poly(diallyldimethyl ammonium chloride), cationic polyethylene imines, cationic polyamines, polyamidoamines and vinylamide-based polymers, melamine-formaldehyde and urea-formaldehyde resins. Suitably the silica-based sols are used in combination with at least one cationic or amphoteric polymer, preferably cationic polymer. Cationic starch and cationic polyacrylamide are particularly preferred polymers and they can be used singly, together with each other or together with other polymers, e.g. other cationic polymers or anionic polyacrylamide. The molecular weight of the main polymer is suitably above 1,000,000 and preferably above 2,000,000. The upper limit is not critical; it can be about 50,000,000, usually 30,000,000 and suitably about 25,000,000. However, the molecular weight of polymers derived from natural sources may be higher.

[0025] When using the silica-based sols and particles in combination with main polymer(s) as mentioned above, it is further preferred to use at least one low molecular weight (hereinafter LMW) cationic organic polymer, commonly referred to and used as anionic trash catchers (ATC). ATC's are known in the art as neutralizing and/or fixing agents for detrimental anionic substances present in the stock and the use thereof in combination with drainage and retention aids often provide further improvements in drainage and/or retention. The LMW cationic organic polymer can be derived from natural or synthetic sources, and preferably it is an LMW synthetic polymer. Suitable organic polymers of this type include LMW highly charged cationic organic polymers such as polyamines, polyamideamines, polyethyleneimines, homo- and copolymers based on diallyldimethyl ammonium chloride, (meth)acrylamides and (meth)acrylates. In relation to the molecular weight of the main polymer, the molecular weight of the LMW cationic organic polymer is preferably lower; it is suitably at least 1,000 and preferably at least 10,000. The upper limit of the molecular weight is usually about 700,000, suitably about 500,000 and usually about 200,000. Preferred combinations of polymers that can be co-used with the silica-based sols of this invention include LMW cationic organic polymer in combination with main polymer(s), such as, for example, cationic starch and/or cationic polyacrylamide, anionic polyacrylamide as well as cationic starch and/or cationic polyacrylamide in combination with anionic polyacrylamide.

[0026] The components of the drainage and retention aids according to the invention can be added to the stock in conventional manner and in any order. When using drainage and retention aids comprising silica-based particles and an organic polymer, e.g. a main polymer, it is preferred to add the polymer to the stock before adding the silica-based particles, even if the opposite order of addition may be used. It is further preferred to add the main polymer before a shear stage, which can be selected from pumping, mixing, cleaning, etc., and to add the silica-based particles after that shear stage. LMW cationic organic polymers, when used, are preferably introduced into the stock prior to introducing the main polymer. Alternatively, the LMW cationic organic polymer and the main polymer can be introduced into stock essentially simultaneously, either separately or in admixture, for example as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,858,174, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. The LMW cationic organic polymer and the main polymer are preferably introduced into the stock prior to introducing the silica-based sol.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the silica-based sols and particles are used as drainage and retention aids in combination with at least one organic polymer, as described above, and at least one aluminium compound. Aluminium compounds can be used to further improve the drainage and/or retention performance of stock additives comprising silica-based particles. Suitable aluminium salts include alum, aluminates, aluminium chloride, aluminium nitrate and polyaluminium compounds, such as polyaluminium chlorides, polyaluminium sulphates, polyaluminium compounds containing both chloride and sulphate ions, polyaluminium silicate-sulphates, and mixtures thereof. The polyaluminium compounds may also contain other anions, for example anions from phosphoric acid, organic acids such as citric acid and oxalic acid. Preferred aluminium salts include sodium aluminate, alum and polyaluminium compounds. The aluminium compound can be added before or after the addition of the silica-based particles. Alternatively, or additionally, the aluminium compound can be added simultaneously with the silica-based sol at essentially the same point, either separately or in admixture with it, for example as disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 5,846,384 which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. In many cases, it is often suitable to add an aluminium compound to the stock early in the process, for example prior to the other additives.

[0028] The components of the drainage and retention aids according to the invention are added to the stock to be dewatered in amounts which can vary within wide limits depending on, inter alia, type and number of components, type of furnish, filler content, type of filler, point of addition, etc. (generally the components are added in an amount that give better drainage and/or retention than is obtained when not adding the components. The silica-based sol and particles are usually added in an amount of at least 0.001% by weight, often at least 0.005% by weight, calculated as SiO₂ and based on dry stock substance, i.e. cellulosic fibres and optional fillers, and the upper limit is usually 1.0% and suitably 0.5% by weight. The main polymer is usually added in an amount of at least 0.001%, often at least 0.005% by weight, based on dry stock substance, and the upper limit is usually 3% and suitably 1.5% by weight. When using an LMW cationic organic polymer in the process, it can be added in an amount of at least 0.05%, based on dry substance of the stock to be dewatered. Suitably, the amount is in the range of from 0.07 to 0.5%, preferably in the range from 0.1 to 0.35%. When using an aluminium compound in the process, the total amount introduced into the stock to be dewatered depends on the type of aluminium compound used and on other effects desired from it. It is for instance well known in the art to utilise aluminium compounds as precipitants for rosin-based sizing agents. The total amount added is usually at least 0.05%, calculated as Al₂O₃ and based on dry stock substance. Suitably the amount is in the range of from 0.1 to 3.0%, preferably in the range from 0.5 to 2.0%.

[0029] Further additives which are conventional in papermaking can of course be used in combination with the additives according to the invention, such as, for example, dry strength agents, wet strength agents, optical brightening agents, dyes, sizing agents like rosin-based sizing agents and cellulose-reactive sizing agents, e.g. alkyl and alkenyl ketene dimers and ketene multimers, alkyl and alkenyl succinic anhydrides, etc. The cellulosic suspension, or stock, can also contain mineral fillers of conventional types such as, for example, kaolin, china clay, titanium dioxide, gypsum, talc and natural and synthetic calcium carbonates such as chalk, ground marble and precipitated calcium carbonate.

[0030] The process of this invention is used for the production of paper. The term “paper”, as used herein, of course include not only paper and the production thereof, but also other cellulosic fibre-containing sheet or web-like products, such as for example board and paperboard, and the production thereof. The process can be used in the production of paper from different types of suspensions of cellulose-containing fibres and the suspensions should suitably contain at least 25% by weight and preferably at least 50% by weight of such fibres, based on dry substance. The suspension can be based on fibres from chemical pulp such as sulphate, sulphite and organosolv pulps, mechanical pulp such as thermomechanical pulp, chemo-thermomechanical pulp, refiner pulp and groundwood pulp, from both hardwood and softwood, and can also be based on recycled fibres, optionally from de-inked pulps, and mixtures thereof. The pH of the suspension, the stock, can be within the range of from about 3 to about 10. The pH is suitably above 3.5 and preferably within the range of from 4 to 9.

[0031] The invention is further illustrated in the following Examples which, however, are not intended to limit the same. Parts and % relate to parts by weight and % by weight, respectively, unless otherwise stated.

EXAMPLE 1

[0032] A standard silica sol was prepared as follows:

[0033] 762.7 g sodium water glass with a molar ratio of SiO₂ to Na₂O of 3.3 and SiO₂ content of 27.1% was diluted with water to 3000 g yielding a silicate solution (I) with a SiO₂ content of 6.9% by weight. 2800 g of this silicate or water glass solution was passed through a column filled with a strong cation exchange resin saturated with hydrogen ions. 2450g of ion-exchanged water glass or polysilicic acid (II) with an SiO₂ content of 6.5% by weight and a pH of 2.4 was collected from the ion exchanger. 1988 g of the polysilicic acid (II) was fed into a reactor and diluted with 12.3 g water. 173.9 g of the 6.9% silicate solution (I) was then added under vigorous agitation. The resulting solution was then heated at 85° C. for 60 minutes and then cooled to 20° C. The obtained silica sol (1a) had the following characteristics:

[0034] Sol 1a (ref.): SiO₂ content=7.3% by weight, molar ratio SiO₂/Na₂O=40, pH=10.2, S-value=29%, viscosity=2.2 cP and specific surface area of the particles=530 m²/g.

[0035] Two further silica sols, Sol 1b and Sol 1c, were produced which had the following characteristics:

[0036] Sol 1b (ref.): SiO₂ content=7.3% by weight, molar ratio SiO₂/Na₂O=63, pH=10.0, S-value=26, viscosity=2.7 cP and specific surface area of the particles=500 m²/g.

[0037] Sol 1c (ref.): SiO₂ content=5.4% by weight, molar ratio SiO₂/Na₂O=35, pH=9.8, S-value=32, viscosity=1.6 cP and specific surface area of the particles=690 m²/g.

EXAMPLE 2

[0038] Six sols of silica-based particles according to the invention was prepared from a polysilicic acid similar to the polysilicic acid (II) produced with the same ion exchange process and with an SiO₂ content of 5.46% by weight. To 102.0 kg of the polysilicic acid was added 1.46 kg of sodium water glass with a ratio SiO₂/Na₂O of 3.3 under vigorous agitation resulting in a solution with a molar ratio SiO₂/Na₂O of 54.0. This solution was heat treated at 60° C. for 2 h 20 min and cooled to 20° C. whereupon the product was concentrated to a SiO₂ content of 15.6% by weight. This intermediate sol product was now divided into six separate samples, a to f. Samples a to c were further alkalised with NaOH, samples d to f with water glass, to achieve sols with a molar ratio SiO₂/Na₂O between 21.5 and 34.0 and a silica content of about 15.0% by weight. The obtained sols of silica-based particles had the characteristics set forth in Table 1: TABLE 1 Molar ratio S-value Viscosity Spec. Surface Area Sol [SiO₂/Na₂O] pH [%] [cp] [m²/g SiO₂] Sol 2a 21.5 10.7 31 17 720 Sol 2b 28.0 10.3 30 29 710 Sol 2c 34.0 10.0 29 40 690 Sol 2d 21.5 10.7 31 20 680 Sol 2e 28.0 10.3 29 34 670 Sol 2f 33.0 10.0 29 38 680

EXAMPLE 3

[0039] A polysilicic acid (II) produced with the above ion exchange process and alkalised with water glass to a molar ratio SiO₂/Na₂O of 54.0 as in Example 2 was heat treated at 60° C. for 1 h. To 58 kg of this product was added 7.25 kg of diluted water glass with a molar ratio SiO₂/Na₂O of 3.3 and silica content 5.5% by weight. The resulting sol of silica-based particles, Sol 3, was concentrated to a silica content of 15.2% by weight and had a molar ratio SiO₂/Na₂O=24, pH 10.7, S-value=34, viscosity=9.0 cp and specific surface area of the particles=760 m²/g.

EXAMPLE 4

[0040]1000 g polysilicic acid (II) with an SiO₂ content of 5.5% by weight was mixed with 14.5 g water glass solution with an SiO₂ content of 27.1% by weight and a molar ratio SiO₂/Na₂O=3.3 under vigorous agitation resulting in a product with a molar ratio SiO₂/Na₂O of 51 and a silica content of 5.8% by weight SiO₂, which was heat treated at 60° C. for 1.5 h and then concentrated to a silica content of 16.7% by weight SiO₂. 283 g of the product obtained was mixed with 33.0 g NaOH resulting in a sol of silica-based particles, Sol 4, with SiO₂ content=15.2% by weight, molar ratio SiO₂/Na₂O=21, pH=10.6, S-value=32%, viscosity=14.2 cP and specific surface area of the particles=720 m²/g.

EXAMPLE 5

[0041] The general procedure according to Example 3 was followed except that the heat treatment was carried for 1.25 h and concentration was carried out to higher silica contents. Two sols of silica-based particles were prepared; Sol 5a and Sol 5b. Sol 5a had SiO₂ content=18% by weight, molar ratio SiO₂/Na₂O=18, pH=10.7, S-value=36%, viscosity=18 cP and specific surface area of the particles=700 m²/g. Sol 5b had SiO₂ content=20% by weight, molar ratio SiO₂/Na₂O=18.3, pH=10.7, S-value=37%, viscosity=31 cP and specific surface area of the particles=700 m²/g.

EXAMPLE 6

[0042] Drainage performance was evaluated by means of a Dynamic Drainage Analyser (DDA), available from Akribi, Sweden, which measures the time for draining a set volume of stock through a wire when removing a plug and applying vacuum to that side of the wire opposite to the side on which the stock is present.

[0043] The stock used was based on a blend of 60% bleached birch sulphate and 40% bleached pine sulphate to which was added 30% ground calcium carbonate as a filler. Stock volume was 800 ml, consistency 0.25% and pH about 8.0. Conductivity of the stock was adjusted to 0.47 mS/cm by addition of sodium sulphate.

[0044] In the tests, silica-based sols were used in conjunction with a cationic polymer, Raisamyl 142, which is a conventional medium-high cationised starch having a degree of substitution of 0.042, which was added to the stock in an amount of 12 kg/tonne, calculated as dry starch on dry stock system. Silica-based sols according to Examples 1 to 4 were tested in this Example. In addition, Sols 6a and 6b were also tested for comparison purposes. Sol 6a is a commercial silica sol with an S-value=45%, SiO₂ content=15.0% by weight, molar ratio SiO_(2/)Na₂O=40, viscosity=3.0 cP, specific surface area of the particles=500 m²/g. Sol 6b is another commercial silica sol with an S-value=36%, SiO₂ content=10.0% by weight, molar ratio SiO₂/Na₂O=10, viscosity=2.5 cP, specific surface area of the particles =880 m²/g. The silica-based sols were added in an amount of 0.5 kg/ton, calculated as SiO₂ and based on dry stock system.

[0045] The stock was stirred in a baffled jar at a speed of 1500 rpm throughout the test and chemical additions were conducted as follows: i) adding cationic starch to the stock following by stirring for 30 seconds, ii) adding silica-based sol to the stock followed by stirring for 15 seconds, iii) draining the stock while automatically recording the drainage time.

[0046] Drainage times for the different silica-based sols are shown in Table 2: TABLE 2 Dewatering time Silica-based sol [sec] Sol 1a (ref.) 12.0 Sol 1b (ref.) 11.1 Sol 1c (ref.) 12.0 Sol 2d 9.7 Sol 3 9.5 Sol 4 9.4 Sol 6a (ref.) 12.0 Sol 6b (ref.) 9.8

EXAMPLE 7

[0047] Drainage performance was evaluated according to the general procedure of Example 6 except that the stock had a consistency of 0.3% and pH about 8.5. Retention performance was evaluated by means of a nephelometer by measuring the turbidity of the filtrate, the white water, obtained by draining the stock.

[0048] Silica-based sols according to Example 5 according to the invention were tested against Sol 6a used for comparison. Table 3 shows the drainage time obtained at various dosages (kg/ton) of silica-based particles, calculated as SiO₂ and based on dry stock system. The addition of only cationic starch (12 kg/tonne, calculated as dry starch on dry stock system) resulted in a drainage time of 15.8 sec. TABLE 3 Drainage time (sec) / Turbidity (NTU) at SiO₂ dosage of Silica-based sol 0.5 kg/t 1.0 kg/t 1.5 kg/t 2.0 kg/t 3.0 kg/t Sol 6a (ref.) 11.1/−  8.8/59 7.9/58 7.1/54 6.8/60 Sol 5a 9.0/− 7.1/52 6.3/50 5.2/52 5.7/53 Sol 5b 8.9/− 6.9/−   6.3/−   5.7/−   6.0/−   

1. Aqueous sol containing silica-based particles, characterised in that it has an S-value within the range of from 10 to 45%, a viscosity within the range of from 5 to 40 cP and a molar ratio of SiO₂ to M₂O, where M is alkali metal or ammonium, within the range of from 10:1 to 40:1.
 2. Aqueous sol containing silica-based particles, characterised in that it has an S-value within the range of from 10 to 45%, a viscosity within the range of from 5 to 40 cP and a silica content of at least 10% by weight.
 3. Aqueous sol according to claim 1, characterised in that it has a silica content of at least 10% by weight.
 4. Aqueous sol according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterised in that the silica-based particles have a specific surface area within the range of from 775 to 1050 m²/g.
 5. Aqueous sol according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterised in that the silica-based particles have a specific surface area within the range of from 550 to 725 m² g.
 6. Aqueous sol according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the S-value is within the range of from 20 to 40%.
 7. Aqueous sol according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the viscosity is within the range of from 7 to 25 cP.
 8. Aqueous sol according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that it has a molar ratio of SiO₂ to M₂O, where M is alkali metal or ammonium, within the range of from 15:1 to 30:1.
 9. Aqueous sol according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that it has a pH of at least 10.6.
 10. Process for the production of silica-based particles, characterised in that it comprises the steps of (a) acidifying an aqueous silicate solution to a pH of from 1 to 4 to form an acid sol, (b) alkalising the acid sol at an SiO₂ content within the range of from 4.5 to 8% by weight to a pH of at least 7, (c) allowing particle growth of the alkalised sol for at least 10 minutes, and then (d) alkalising the obtained sol to a pH of at least 10.0.
 11. Process for the production of silica-based particles, characterised in that it comprises the steps of (a) acidifying an aqueous silicate solution to a pH of from 1 to 4 to form an acid sol, (b) alkalising the acid sol at an SiO₂ content within the range of from 4.5 to 8% by weight, (c) heat-treating the alkalised sol at a temperature of at least 30° C., and then (d) alkalising the heat-treated sol to a pH of at least 10.0.
 12. Process according to claim 10 or 11, characterised in that it the alkalisation according to (b) and (d) is carried out by means of an aqueous silicate solution.
 13. Process according to claim 10, 11 or 12, characterised in that the particle growth and heat-treatment according to (c) is carried out at a temperature within the range of from 35 to 95° C.
 14. Process according to claim 10, 11, 12 or 13, characterised in that the particle growth and heat-treatment according to (c) is carried out for 20 to 240 minutes.
 15. Process according to any of claims 10 to 14, characterised in that the alkalisation according to (d) produces a silica-based sol having a molar ratio of SiO₂ to M₂O, where M is alkali metal or ammonium, within the range of from 15:1 to 30:1 and a pH of at least 10.6.
 16. Silica-based particles obtainable by a process according to any of claims 10 to
 15. 17. Use of silica-based particles according to any of claims 1 to 9 or 16 or produced by a process according to any of claims 10 to 15 as drainage and retention aids in the production of paper.
 18. Process for the production of paper from an aqueous suspension containing cellulosic fibres, and optional fillers, which comprises adding to the suspension silica-based particles and at least one charged organic polymer, forming and draining the suspension on a wire, characterised in that the silica-based particles are present in an aqueous sol according to any of claims 1 to 9 or produced by a process according to any of claims 10 to
 15. 19. Process according to claim 18, characterised in that the charged organic polymer is cationic starch or cationic polyacrylamide.
 20. Process according to claim 18 or 19, characterised in that before adding the silica-based particles to the suspension the silica-based particles are diluted or mixed water to form an aqueous sol having a silica content of from 0.05 to 5% by weight.
 21. Process according to any of claims 18 to 20, characterised in that the silica-based particles are added to the suspension in an amount of from 0.005 to 0.5% by weight, calculated as SiO₂ and based on dry cellulosic fibres and optional fillers. 